Impact of neodymium oxide on optical properties and X-ray shielding competence of Nd2O3-TeO2-ZnO glasses

A series of zinc tellurite glasses doped with neodymium oxide was prepared using the melt-quenching method. The XRD analysis patterns of the glass series showed a broad hump around 20-30. The FTIR spectral analysis and the deconvolution of the spectra showed the presence and concentration of TeO3 and TeO4. The density values showed an increasing pattern from 5346 to 5580 kg cm(-3). The optical energy band gaps demonstrated non-linear relationships against the Nd2O3 concentration thus a clear dependence on the TeO4 concentration. The refractive index values (range 2.5331-2.6371), polarizability, optical basicity and metallization criterion values (0.3 < M < 0.45) imply the new glasses have potential for laser and non-linear applications. Radiation shielding parameters obtained with the help of FLUKA and EpiXS programs are found to be in good agrement with each other. The glass sample with highest percentage of neodymium oxide, Nd(0.05)TeZn, is found to have superior shielding competency than commercial glasses (RS 253 G18, RS 360) and steel scrap concretes which are used for the safety from hazardous effects of radiations.

Automated summary

A series of zinc tellurite glasses doped with neodymium oxide were prepared and characterized. The presence of TeO3 and TeO4 in the glasses was confirmed, and their density and optical properties showed positive correlation with the doping concentration. The new glasses have potential applications in laser and non-linear areas. Furthermore, the radiation shielding analysis demonstrated that the glass sample with the highest neodymium oxide content exhibited superior shielding competency compared to commercial glasses and steel scrap concretes.